A large stone bench sits in Durham with the inscription: March 1974: Durham says NO to Olympic Oil Refinery.

For those of you relatively new to the Seacoast, you may wonder why I am commenting on this. If you have been following the tempest over the UNH Pool in Durham and the typical town/gown clash, you know what's coming next.

Durham saying a big fat NO refers to the epic battle that took place in the early 1970s between David (Durham) and Goliath (Aristotle Onassis).

Simply put, billionaire oil man Onassis wanted to build an oil refinery on the edge of the Great Bay. Things were moving smoothly in that (what today seems foolhardy and environmentally daft) direction, as Onassis had some very influential supporters.

What he did not have was an ability to combat one of the finest grassroots operations since the colonists took on King George, and we know how that one worked out. When the smoke cleared, Durham and its supporters emerged victorious.

The moral of this story is simple.

One of the troika of women who spearheaded the actions vs Onassis (who had his own image issues after marrying the distaff portion of our country's Camelot) was a young woman named Dudley Dudley. Guess whose name is quite evident in the Pool Gate issue? Yup, you got it — the very same Dudley Dudley. If it were me in a position to capitulate gracefully on the part of the esteemed University of New Hampshire, I'd do it. Sounds like a lose/lose doesn't' it?

He's a little one for you Garrison City peeps. In five words or less, describe your feelings about Dover. Positive or negative, let us know. I'll be sure to include your thoughts in a subsequent column.

It is nice to see the political pot beginning to boil, with the announcement of her candidacy for mayor by the redoubtable Councilor Karen Weston.

The last two years have had good times and bad times attached to them, particularly with respect to the push-me-pull-you relationship between some members of the City Council and School Committee.

In a recent opinion commentary in your local news organ, Councilor Michael Crago asked the “taxpayers of Dover, particularly the Parents,” when they were “going to realize that this School Board doesn't seem to be up to the task for engaging in sound fiscal management in accordance with the citizen trust?”

He continued asking when the citizens were going to “hold the School Board accountable for their lack of transparent affordable excellence?” Correct me if I am wrong, but the opportunity arises every two years.

The above is not meant to endorse that which Crago says — I am not sitting on either side (fence sitting comes with my territory if I wish!) but I am asking you which side you sit on.

If you don't know, you have less than three months to educate yourself with the issues, or more importantly, why not join the fray?

The more people-the more ideas! Take a flyer …. run for office.

Did you see the nasty decision handed down by the International Paralympic Committee, banning Exeter's Victoria Arlen from competing in the Montreal World Paralympic Swimming Championships? According to the committee, she “failed to provide conclusive evidence of a permanent eligible impairment.” The same issue arose in the World Paralympics in London last year where she was allowed to swim and won a gold medal.

Support has come from all corners of the globe for the 18-year-old who was struck with transverse myelitis at a young age, causing paralysis from the waist down.

Arlen, with her usual classiness, said “I am keeping my head high, and am not bitter, discouraged or angry with them.” It will be interesting to see how this one shakes out.

Say goodbye to a very successful Cochecho Arts Festival Friday night series for this year. There may be some changes in the future, as the committee looks forward. Hey, all they can do is make a good thing even better.

Lots of good stuff coming up

This weekend slip on over to the Bow Lake Grange Hall in Strafford and enjoy Backstage, a comedic farce put on by the Lakeside Players. Thurs/Fri/Sat 7:30 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. These guys and girls are GOOD!

August 24 brings the first ever in the state Maker Faire right here in Dovah. Put on by the New Hampshire Children's Museum, it is the Greatest Show (and Tell) on earth. A family friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness. It takes place at Henry Law Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. check their website childrens-museum.org for more info — it is new, different and filled with exciting and interesting things for all.

Got a green thumb? The folks at the Joe B. Parks Riverwalk Public Gardens are looking for YOU. They need people who enjoy gardening to help out. Contact Beth Fischer at ERFischer17@hotmail.comYou'll love doing it.

Tuesday night at the movies brings Anchorman to the Cocheco Courtyard with food by Kelley's Row. Seven p.m. be there or be square, the locals love this innovative summer entertainment and dining experience.

Speaking of local, you can't get any more local than the Woodman Institute Museum, which will be holding Night at the Museum on Labor Day weekend. Lots of local actors (yours truly being among them) playing parts having to do with Dover's history. Tickets are now on sale at the Museum's gift shop or call 603-742-1038 — special prices for kids and families. It will be educational, informational and hilarious. I'll tell you all about it next week.

Oh … happy birthday to Madonna — 55 years old … 55? Where did the time go for us and the Material Girl?